A graduate of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and currently serving with state code SO/23C/0264, Annabel Chimkaodi, has organised a malaria awareness and health empowerment program at Government Technical College and Government Girls Day Secondary School in Runjin Sambo, Sokoto State.
The event began with a malaria awareness walk that included students, teachers, and the vice principal of Government Girls Day Secondary School, all focused on raising awareness about malaria in Sokoto.
The campaign aimed to educate over 150 students and teachers about malaria, covering its symptoms, prevention, and treatment.
The health empowerment program also included free malaria testing and the distribution of antimalarial drugs to those who tested positive, all conducted by a professional medical team.
Explaining the motivation behind her initiative, Igwe said, “This is a critical time for raising awareness as we are in the peak season for mosquito breeding. It’s essential that we are all informed and prepared to combat malaria.”
Mr. Buhari Adamu, representing the Director of Case Management from the Malaria Elimination Agency, Ministry of Health, Sokoto State, provided a detailed health education session during the event.
He explained that malaria, caused by the female Anopheles mosquito, is characterized by symptoms such as fever, vomiting, convulsions, and dizziness.
Speaking in both Hausa and English, he emphasized the complications of the disease, preventive measures, and the importance of proper treatment.
“Antimalarial drugs should only be prescribed by medical personnel after a confirmed malaria test. Self-prescription can be dangerous and ineffective,” Adamu stated.
The NYSC State Coordinator in Sokoto, Mr. Usman Yakubu Yero, represented by Sokoto North Local Government Inspector, Mr. Nasiru Ladan Dundaye, expressed appreciation for the campaign and praised everyone involved.
“This is indeed a remarkable gesture facilitated by Annabel Igwe Chimkaodi. On behalf of the entire NYSC Sokoto, we are highly proud of you and encourage you to continue making an impact.”
In his closing remarks, the Vice Principal of Government Technical College, Runjin Sambo, Lawal Suleiman, thanked Igwe for her initiative and was pleased to see his students and teachers actively participating in the program.
Similarly, the Vice Principal of Government Girls Day Secondary School, Mr. Bashiru Laben, expressed his gratitude and wished everyone a healthy, malaria-free life.
